Ticks (Burke, Springfield: how much, houses, neighborhood)

[Snickmash]

Does anyone else have an issue with ticks? We move here a month ago and I am astonished by the tick problem here. I am from the Northeast and never saw anything this bad. We live in a community where there isn't a lot of trees and the lawns are kept well. I just don't get it. I hate to use Frontline or anything like that because my dogs have had reactions, not to mention that they don't actually repel the vile little creatures. It is flipping me out. Any advice? Anyone ever see this before?

[HEATHER72]

It's that time of year for ticks. Nothing new or unusual. Check your pets and yourself after being outdoors.

[ShannonMilligan]

I am from PA (central) so you would think I would have seen them a lot. Nope. But here we have already removed one from our home. (I found it crawling on my toddlers pant leg!!!) We do treat our dog, but that doesn't keep them from jumping on the dog and falling off in the house. (they can also get on you and you can bring them into the house) Just check everyone over each day.
So annoying, I agree!

[springfieldva]

I live in the Springfield/Burke area and we don't seem to have much of a problem with them. In the summer we do have plenty of gnats and mosquitos, though.

[EuroExpat]

We have a bad tick problem. Our home is located next to a little "forest" with a stream that houses lots of wildlife (in Ashburn standards anyway). Two weeks ago my husband took our 2-year-old son for a walk on the path, not going anywhere near the grass that grows off the path. Later that day, I found two ticks on my son, one in the back of his neck and the other in his arm. Our dog seems to attract them too even with her anti-tick meds. So now after walks we check ourselves and the dog.

One good way to try to avoid tick bites is to wear tight fitting light clothes (white spandex, anyone? haha) and check yourself after going outside in the nature. I read somewhere that a tick needs to bite in 24-48hrs before it can transmit Lyme's disease so no need to panic if you find one before it's all chubby. Also, they have a vaccination for dogs against Lyme's, there is one for people as well but it's not meant for kids under 6 years old. Hope this helps!!

[irisheyes13]

We are amazed at the ticks we have removed from our dog (who is always on a leash) and ourselves as well if we do any hiking. The dog is not on the hikes most times but just in the neighborhood grassy areas. We use sprays now as much as we hate to use the products but, when we found ticks on the furniture a few days out from hiking, we figured it was the best thing to do.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

I would keep using the Frontline or try one of the new "natural" flea repelent products that have come out for people that are concerned about their animals being exposed to chemicals.
I make sure both my dogs have their Frontline on every month - even in the winter.
My deceased dog had contracted lymes disease and it was so sad to see how much pain he was in even with the best medical treatment.

[Momma_s]

We've lived in our home for 3 years, and this year seems to be especially bad for ticks. My husband has already picked 4 off of him, when he had none previous years.

We are very freaked out about Lyme Disease because after almost 10+ years of being called a hypochondriac, my dad was finally diagnosed with it (it's very hard to detect & diagnose because the bacteria go dormant). He was on dangerous antibiotics for months, has been getting shots in the butt 3x's a week for 3mo's, and his Dr says he may have to have this for the rest of his life if they can't get rid of the bacteria.

Just remember: NEVER pull a tick off from it's back/body, as this can force all it's innards and Lyme Disease into your skin/bloodstream. And NEVER put vasoline or alcohol on it, or try burning it (all old & false recommendations). These tactics drive the tick deeper in, not out (eeww, I'm all itchy now).

The PROPER way to remove a tick is with very pointy tweezers, grabbing as close to the head as possible, and *gently* tugging while turning to force the little s*it to detach. Take a close look at it to be sure it's head came off w/the body.

Oh, and the "bullseye" bruise "they" say to look for is NOT a bruise, and doesn't always occur.

If you're concerned about the tick population in your area, here's info on trying to keep them at bay. I don't know how feasible this would be if surrounded by woods, but maybe in the vicinity of the home?

Sorry so lengthy, but like I said, we're very skittish about Lyme Disease...
Take care.

[mdcrim]

You can also get a lyme disease vaccine for your dog. Unfortunately they don't offer them for humans. We pulled 2 ticks off my son 2 days ago. I called the pediatrician for advice, they said to use DEET repellant and get the spray for the yard to kill them. They also said that it is a really, really bad year for ticks (as in there are lots and lots this year)...

[5stones]

^ the vaccine is still not proven. The loudoun County vets really push them as they state Loudoun has a high percentage of lyme in dogs. (plus a big money maker from hte pharm companies)
My sis in law is a vet in Montgomery county and has seen more BAD reaction from the vaccine than postive results. She does not advise getting it.

Frontline works best for ticks but try Advantix if you have a problem with Frontline. Also there are quite a few home reciepes as well...garlic etc...

Lots of "DOG ticks" in VA they are bigger and basically harmless...some do carry rocky mtn fever but it'sreally rare.
The "DEER ticks" are the carriers of Lyme and are very small esp in spring when the babies come out.
My in laws in upstate NY have an AWEFUL time with them.
If you have acreage...get geiuna hens, they eat ticks!

This year in NOVA is probably bad because of the mild winter. It's takes a pretty good long cold spell and long ground freeze to kill and control the population.

DEET...we all know the warning about not using it etc... but IF you are going to be out in a tick area...It IS THE ONLY thing that will 100% work. and short exposure (camping trip, day hiking etc...) isn't going to hurt you. We always keep a spray of 100% DEET handy for when the other products don't work (Assateague Island MOZZIES..anyone!!!)